Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Thursday appointed former South Africa allrounder Lance Klusener as their national team’s new head coach.
ACB had invited applications for the post after the completion of former head coach Phil Simmons’s tenure.
From over 50 applicants, Klusener, who is a Level 4 certified coach, was picked. His first assignment will be Afghanistan’s series against West Indies in November.
Speaking about Klusener’s appointment, ACB CEO Lutfullah Stanikzai said, “Lance Klusener is a renowned name in the cricketing world. It will be great to see our players benefit from his vast experience both as a player and a coach.”
Stanikzai also added that Klusener’s association with the team would also massively help, keeping in mind the 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia and Asia Cup.
Klusener said he is “excited and honoured” to have the opportunity to guide Afghanistan players. “I am extremely excited and honored to be given the opportunity to work with some of the best talents in world cricket,” he said.
“Everyone knows the fearless brand of cricket Afghanistan plays. I am very confident that with some hard work we can become one of the best sides in the world. I am really looking forward to working with the Afghanistan team and helping them take their cricket to the next level.”
Klusener, in the past, has served as bowling coach of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, consultant at the South Africa National Academy, batting coach of South Africa’s Test team, head coach of Dolphins franchise in South African domestic cricket, batting coach of Zimbabwe and most recently as batting coach of South Africa’s T20I side.
